Strongyloides as a cause of fever of unknown origin

Iliana Neumann1, Rhianna Ritter, Anne Mounsey

  • 1Department of Family Medicine, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, USA.

Insights

Strongyloides stercoralis, a parasitic worm, can cause severe hyperinfection even in non-immunosuppressed individuals. This case highlights the importance of considering Strongyloides in unexplained fevers, regardless of immune status.

Area of Science:

  • Infectious Diseases
  • Parasitology
  • Clinical Medicine

Background:

  • Strongyloides is a nematode parasite endemic in certain US regions.
  • It typically presents asymptomatically but has diverse clinical manifestations.
  • Autoinfection capability can lead to hyperinfection or disseminated disease, usually in immunocompromised individuals.

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